Past Brier champion Jean-Michel Menard says he prefers to meet the top-seeded teams early in the event, when everyone is still getting accustomed to the ice. (Ian Kucerak, Edmonton Sun)

With all the notable names taking part in the 2013 Tim Hortons Brier, Jean-Michel Menard is hoping his Quebec side is able to slide in under the radar.

Yet as a former Brier champion himself, it’s unlikely the Quebec skip will be underestimated at this year’s event.

“We’re conscious that we’re not the top guns over here, people are more aiming for (Glenn) Howard, (Kevin) Martin and (Jeff) Stoughton, so that’s just perfect for us,” said Ménard after winning his opening contest 5-4 over James Grattan’s New Brunswick rink Saturday. “It’s obviously a very tough field. I think one of the keys will be to size up the ice very quickly. I think I was able to do that well (Saturday) and a few more games should be able to put us into a groove. I think once everybody gets confident with their draw weight, you never know? I think we could surprise a few teams. If we could get into the playoffs, then it’s anybody’s game.”